How Do You Sign Off PP?

When you need to sign a document for someone else, p.p. (per procurationem) keeps things professional and crystal clear. Think of it as your way of saying, “I’m signing this with full authority from the real decision-maker.” This method stays standard in business, legal, and admin circles—no surprise twists in 2026.

What does “p.p.” actually do?

The abbreviation p.p. is short for the Latin per procurationem, which simply means “by authority of.” Picture it as a tiny flag waving, “Hey, I’m not the boss—just the messenger with permission.” This practice has been around since the 1800s and still holds its ground in formal writing today.¹

Say the CEO is out of pocket. Their assistant steps in, signs “p.p.”, adds their own signature, then prints the CEO’s name underneath. Everyone instantly knows who’s really in charge.

How do you sign “p.p.” the right way?

Follow this play-by-play to nail the signature every time:

1. Get the green light: Make sure you’re actually allowed to sign. A quick email or verbal nod usually suffices, but some contracts demand a power of attorney.
2. Stamp it with “p.p.”: Place those two letters on the left side of your signature line. Skip the colon or comma unless your company style guide insists.
3. Sign yourself: Write your full name clearly in the signature block.
4. Print their name below: Type out the full legal name of the person you’re representing. That one line keeps everyone honest and traceable.
5. Add your title (optional): Feel free to drop your job title right under your printed name—“Executive Assistant to the CEO,” for example—to spell out your role.

Real-world example:

p.p. _______________________
     Maria Lopez

     Juan Martinez
     Office Manager
     GreenTech Solutions

What if the recipient doesn’t recognize “p.p.”?

When in doubt, try these quick fixes:

• Slip in a cover note: Tape a one-liner on company letterhead: “This document is signed by Maria Lopez, Office Manager, acting under delegated authority from Jane Doe, CEO.” One sentence clears up any confusion.
• Go full Latin: In ultra-formal or international settings, write out per procuratorem instead of the abbreviation, then sign and print the principal’s name.
• Send an authorization letter: For contracts or financial deals, include a separate signed note from the principal giving you the go-ahead. It’s the safest route for high-stakes paperwork.

How can you prevent signature headaches?

A few smart habits keep “p.p.” trouble-free:

• Write the rules down: Companies should publish a signature playbook that spells out when and how to use “p.p.”—especially for roles like executive assistants who sign daily.
• Clarify authority limits: Anyone using “p.p.” needs to know exactly what they can and can’t sign. Overstep, and you risk legal trouble or even job loss.²
• Keep digital signatures honest: If you’re signing PDFs or web forms, pick an e-sign platform that lets you choose “Sign on behalf of” and auto-fills the principal’s name.
• Save proof of consent: Keep an email, memo, or internal form showing the principal actually gave you permission. That paper trail matters most for legal or money matters.
• Skip the shortcuts: Avoid “pp,” “P.P.,” or “/p/” unless your style guide explicitly allows them. Consistency beats creativity when it comes to signatures.

Even a small slip—like signing outside your authority—can look like forgery or fraud. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, forgery is a felony in every U.S. state, with penalties ranging from fines to prison time and civil lawsuits.³

Nail the “p.p.” format, and you protect your reputation—and your company’s—while keeping everything above board.

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Footnotes:
1. “Per Procurationem.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Accessed 2026.
2. “Delegation of Authority.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 2025.
3. “Understanding Forgery and Fraud.” U.S. Department of Justice. 2024.